Star Wars Makers Due in Court Because Han Solo Broke His Leg on the Millennium Falcon

The UK's Health and Safety Executive has instigated a prosecution against the production company in charge of the UK shoot of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, claiming that the accident that caused Harrison Ford's broken leg was the result of a breach of safety laws.

Given that a film set is nothing more than a glorified factory floor in the eyes of the Health and Safety Executive, that means Ford's incident -- when he was hit by a metal door -- was a form of industrial accident. The Executive said: "By law, employers must take reasonable steps to protect workers - this is as true on a film set as a factory floor," and added that it plans to bring four charges over the apparent health and safety breaches that led to Ford's accident.

Disney subsidiary Foodles Production is the firm facing the charges, and it responded to the claims with: "Cast and crew safety is always a top priority. We provided full co-operation during HSE's investigation into the on-set accident that occurred in June 2014 and are disappointed in HSE's decision."

The case is scheduled to be heard in the High Wycombe Magistrates Court on May 12. [BBC via Den of Geek]